Method for an automated shelving device of an intelligent storage or order picking system

Abstract

Method for an automated shelving device of an intelligent storage or order picking system, the method comprising the following method steps: - Providing (S1) planogram data, by a provision module (10), which map the automated shelving device and which comprise digital shelf plans of the automated shelving device and which can be successively expanded; - Providing (S2), by the provision module (10), product information data, wherein the product links between the product information comprise links between related or linked products which define products placed in the automated shelf device; - creating (S3), by a linking module (20), product linking data between the product information data; - providing (S4), by the provision module (10), operational data of the automated shelving device, wherein the operational data comprises operational data sources; - creating (S5), by the linking module (20), data link data between the operational data and the planogram data; and - Calculating (S6), by a calculation module (30), user interaction data based on the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data and the created data link data, wherein the user interaction data is calculated for a customer who requires at least one product from the plurality of products placed in the automated shelving device, and the user interaction data comprises data on product location or product advice for the required product; wherein the user interaction data includes data relating to the product required by the customer as well as data from at least one complementary product associated with the required product, where the user interaction data: - i) by voice output via a sound generating device; or - ii) by visual output via a display device; or - iii) be transmitted to the customer via a mobile device.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to automated and intelligent storage or picking systems.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for an automated shelving device of an intelligent storage or order picking system. Technical background

[0003] Currently, software solutions are used for shelf planning. Software solutions for shelf optimization are used in retail to arrange products in salesrooms or other commercial premises where goods or services are offered for sale, in terms of quantity and placement, in such a way as to generate maximum sales revenue.

[0004] The products of the widely used software solutions include static shelf planning, which schematically shows the stocking of the shelf.

[0005] US Patent No. 8,266,020 B2 describes systems and methods for generating replenishment orders for products sold to a retailer with multiple stores. Store data is linked to planogram information, and the linked data is used to generate a fixture-level safety stock for a specific product in a specific store. The fixture-level safety stock triggers fixture-level replenishment orders.

[0006] US 2015 / 0 029 339 A1 discloses a video surveillance tracking technique.

[0007] A system and a method for intelligent retail displays are known from US 2017 / 0 148 077 A1.

[0008] US 2019 / 0 205 933 A1 describes the monitoring of a retail environment using computer vision.

[0009] US 2007 / 0 272 735 A1 relates to a purchasing system with interactive user identity and product items.

[0010] DE 10 2014 225 118 A1 describes a system and a method for automatic identification mechanisms.

[0011] An automatic retail tracking system is known from US 10 282 852 B1.

[0012] An intelligent in-store shopping platform for customers and retailers is described in AU 2019100428 A4.

[0013] In addition, an improved electronic ordering and sales system is disclosed in AU 2009236013 A1.

[0014] US 2014 / 0 156 459 A1 describes a display of the product location on the shelf using augmented reality (AR). AR is the computer-assisted enhancement of the perception of reality. US 2014 / 0 156 459 A1 describes a method and system that creates a real-time graphical view of a product display in the store on a portable electronic device, which localizes the location of one or more target products on the product display.

[0015] The graphical view is generated by capturing merchandise display data, such as a video feed of the product display in the store, and processing the data to recognize the one or more target products based on predefined product recognition criteria that are uniquely linked to the respective target products.

[0016] US 2019 / 0 005 570 A1 describes a voice interface shopping system that can assist customers in making purchasing decisions in a retail environment, extracting search variables from customer interactions and combining them with specific business rules stored on an administration server.

[0017] The voice interface shopping system is configured to find products that match the customer's inputs or requirements and then uses a connected lighting system to present the product or products to the customer. Summary of the invention

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device and an improved method for automated shelving of an intelligent storage or order picking system.

[0019] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments and embodiments can be found in the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures of the drawings.

[0020] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system, the method comprising the following method steps: The first step in the process is to provide planogram data that depicts the automated shelving system and includes digital shelving plans of the automated shelving system, and which can be successively expanded.

[0021] As a second process step, product information data is provided which defines the products placed in the automated shelving device.

[0022] The third step in the process is to create product link data between the product information data.

[0023] The fourth step in the process involves providing operating data for the automated shelving device.

[0024] As a fifth step, data link data is created between the operating data and the planogram data.

[0025] As a sixth method step, user interaction data is calculated based on the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data and the created data link data.

[0026] The present invention advantageously makes it possible to provide additional functions in the field of product logistics by means of a so-called “intelligent shelf”, also referred to as a smart shelf.

[0027] The present invention describes intelligent shelving systems that include functions for detecting, actuating and controlling to describe and analyze filling or emptying or interaction of consumer or staff interaction.

[0028] The present invention enables decisions to be made based on the available data in a predictive or adaptive manner. In other words, the automated shelving device of an intelligent warehouse or order picking system operates autonomously, with the autonomous operation being based on the data acquisition capabilities as well as the implemented control, data processing, and networking capabilities of the automated shelving device.

[0029] It is intended to make it possible to detect consumer interaction at the sales shelf in stationary retail stores.

[0030] The present invention makes it possible to improve the customer experience in stationary specialist and retail stores when purchasing and advising on a product of the intelligent storage or order picking system.

[0031] The present invention makes it possible to provide support to the customer in selecting the right product and / or the accessories associated with the product.

[0032] The present invention enables product- or service-related customer guidance to the location of the product in the store via (guidance) telematics. The department, shelf, or compartment of the product is calculated and displayed to the user. The present invention enables product-related messages or service-related messages or updates to be displayed during the customer guidance to the product.

[0033] The present invention makes it possible to provide an interactive information system (product location / suitability / information).

[0034] The present invention makes it possible to provide a smart and / or digital optimization and linking of the core operational processes surrounding the shelving system in stationary specialist and retail stores: This includes planning, assembly, filling, customer guidance systems and sales.

[0035] Contrary to the prior art, the invention thus advantageously provides a self-contained overall system which is based on digital, extended shelf plans, also referred to as planograms, and which enables the planogram information to be expanded with product information.

[0036] The present invention enables product links, for example “screw + matching nut”, to be generated and corresponding product-related messages or service-related messages or updates to be output.

[0037] The present invention allows for linking the planogram information with operational data sources, which may include prices, inventory, customer behavior, sales, and other parameters.

[0038] The present invention makes it possible to link the planogram information with hardware: to enable “Smart Shelf”, digital customer guidance system and / or customer interaction system with product location and product advice.

[0039] Accordingly, the present invention can also intelligently guide personnel when filling the intelligent or automated shelving system with articles and products.

[0040] The present invention enables the provision of an automated shelving device, also referred to as a SWG Store Platform, and is a fully integrated process chain with all data from the supplier to the stationary specialist / retailer to the end customer without any data disruption.

[0041] The present invention enables, for example, the integration of feedback loops, e.g. customer behavior to dealer and supplier.

[0042] The present invention enables, for example, optimization of operational processes through data integration (e.g. shelf planning, sales analysis, price management, stock management).

[0043] The present invention enables, for example, improved navigation of the customer to the market and / or shelf and / or product, customer guidance system with Smart Shelf.

[0044] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the user interaction data comprise data relating to the product required by the customer as well as data from at least one supplementary product associated with the required product; wherein preferably the user interaction data: - i) by voice output via a sound generating device; or - ii) by visual output via a display device; or - iii) via a mobile device be transmitted to the customer.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the data relating to the product location are displayed by changing the lighting of the automated shelving device, wherein the data relating to the product location are preferably displayed to the customer in the form of a shelf number or shelf compartment number. The change in the lighting of the automated shelving device can comprise a change in the illuminance or the use of a lighting focus or spotlight.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the user interaction data comprise product linking data for a logical linking of products associated with the required product for the customer.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the user interaction data are calculated for filling the automated shelf device and the user interaction data include data on a product location or on a number of products to be refilled.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the user interaction data for filling the automated shelving device comprise data for setting up and / or equipping the automated shelving device.

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the user interaction data for filling the automated shelf device are created based on scan data of a barcode attached to the product to be filled.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the user interaction data for filling the automated shelving device are created based on scan data of a barcode attached to the automated shelving device.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the product links between the product information include links between related or linked products.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the product information data: - i) price data; or - ii) inventory data; or - iii) customer behavior data; or - iv) Sales data of the products placed in the automated shelving device.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the product information data is displayed by a product data display device attached to the automated shelf device.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that based on the user interaction data, the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data and the created data link data - i) a sales analysis for the automated shelving device; or - ii) a product search analysis; or - iii) an optimization of the planogram data of the automated shelving device; or - iv) general statistics for the automated shelving system is calculated.

[0056] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an automated shelving device for an intelligent storage or order picking system is provided, wherein the automated shelving device comprises a provision module, a linking module and a calculation module.

[0057] The provision module is configured to provide planogram data that depicts the automated shelving device and that includes digital shelf plans of the automated shelving device and that are successively expandable; wherein the provision module is further configured to provide product information data that defines products placed in the automated shelving device.

[0058] The linking module is configured to create data linking data between the operational data and the planogram data; wherein the linking module is further configured to create data linking data between the operational data and the planogram data.

[0059] The calculation module is configured to calculate user interaction data based on the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data, and the created data link data.

[0060] According to a third aspect, the present invention comprises a computer program or a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the steps of the method according to the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect to be carried out.

[0061] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention comprises a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the steps of the method according to the first aspect or any embodiment of the first aspect to be carried out.

[0062] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention comprises a computer network comprising the automated shelving device according to the second aspect or any embodiment of the second aspect, further comprising a database having a web-based and / or interactive product distribution application configured to offer the products from the automated shelving device to a customer.

[0063] The described designs and further training courses can be combined as desired.

[0064] Further possible embodiments, developments and implementations of the present invention also include combinations of features of the present invention described above or below with regard to the embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned.

[0065] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain concepts of the present invention.

[0067] Other embodiments and many of the aforementioned advantages will become apparent with reference to the figures of the drawings. The elements illustrated in the figures of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Short description of the characters

[0068] They show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a flowchart of a method for an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 2: a schematic representation of an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a process flow of a method for an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4: a schematic representation of a planning tool for an automated shelving device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5: a schematic representation of an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6: a schematic representation of a method for an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0069] In the figures of the drawings, the same reference symbols designate the same or functionally identical elements, parts, components or process steps, unless otherwise stated.

[0070] The automated shelving device, also referred to as “Smart Shelf,” according to an embodiment of the present invention is based on an extended data basis: for example, an extended planogram in the SWG Store platform.

[0071] The planogram in the form of planogram data is an extended data type and can correspond to a graphical representation of the product presentation in retail by branch, depot, aisle, shelf and shelf compartment and can also include data about the product such as target or actual sales figures, related and matching products, delivery options, delivery time in order to determine opportunities for improvement in product placement as well as optimal dimensions and locations for product placement.

[0072] The planogram data can also include text or voice data to advise the customer on the required product and related complementary products. This text or voice data can be output via voice control, display, or mobile device. The planogram data can include data on product information for comparison with the product range available in the store or generally available.

[0073] The planogram data may also include coordinate data or area data used to locate the product for the customer by displaying the location of the product and / or the compartment of the product on the shelf.

[0074] Planogram data can include both graphical data and structured data sets about products or items.

[0075] The planogram data can be stored in the form of a special planogram data type. For example, the planogram data type refers to a graphical representation that shows the arrangement of the goods displayed in the system (usually a module) within the store. The positions and quantity of the items to be displayed are stored for individual products in the planogram data type.

[0076] The planogram data type also includes sales data, which is used to allocate relevant shelf space to individual products so that customers can find the desired items in their usual location. The primary goal of the planogram data type is to optimize the space available for individual products.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the same calculations are to be performed for the entire system. In this case, the planograms for identical stores at different locations are identical. Another possibility is to divide the planograms by region if planograms are created for a number of stores with similar criteria.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, store-specific planograms are provided to cover sales in individual stores by adapting the planogram to the space allocated to the products at the local level.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, based on the planogram data, the lighting of the automated shelving device is controlled by illuminating the corresponding compartment in the respective shelf of the automated shelving device with light or LEDs.

[0080] In other words, the lighting of the shelves or individual parts of the automated shelving system is controlled by a lighting control device.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present invention, automated or machine-controlled or machine-assisted interaction strategies and systems for human-robot interaction are provided for workers in the store. According to one embodiment of the present invention, upon scanning product information as applied to the product, a display of the shelf location is provided.

[0082] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a flowchart of a method for an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] In a first method step, planogram data S1 are provided which depict the automated shelving device and which include digital shelving plans of the automated shelving device and which can be successively expanded.

[0084] In a second process step, product information data S2 is provided, which defines products placed in the automated shelving device.

[0085] As a third step, product link data S3 is created between the product information data

[0086] In a fourth process step, operating data of the automated shelving device is provided S4

[0087] As a fifth process step, S5 data link data is created between the operating data and the planogram data.

[0088] As a sixth method step, user interaction data is calculated S6 based on the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data and the created data link data.

[0089] The present invention offers the following technical solutions and added value for stationary specialist and retail stores: The present invention advantageously enables optimization of operational processes through Smart Shelf technology: A machine-assisted assembly aid that cooperates and interacts with a user.

[0090] The present invention advantageously enables a simplified shelf structure through: tablet with software frontend, label preparation and label printing, for example only one total label per bar.

[0091] The present invention advantageously enables the use of improved customer guidance systems by: printing specially designed shelf labels, such as a second overall label per shelf.

[0092] The present invention advantageously enables smart integration and the early creation and consideration of the customer guidance system in the shelf planning software used.

[0093] The present invention advantageously enables control of electronic price labels or a dashboard attached to the automated shelving device.

[0094] The present invention advantageously enables the provision of an analysis function: sales analysis, search analysis, shelf optimization, general statistics added value for consumer goods industry (suppliers).

[0095] The present invention advantageously enables increased flexibility in shelf design through data feedback and intelligent software solutions.

[0096] The present invention advantageously makes it possible to provide a logical link between associated products, such as product suggestions.

[0097] The present invention advantageously enables the recording of all requested articles and trends, even for products that are not currently available.

[0098] The present invention advantageously enables an improved overview through lighting of the products offered in the shelf.

[0099] The present invention advantageously enables improved navigation to the market, to the shelf, to the product through: web, app, voice control, intelligent - guiding the customer or the staff - and / or targeted product lighting.

[0100] The present invention advantageously enables an improvement of the customer experience: direct advice, guidance to the desired article, product linking, detailed product information, “playful” aspect.

[0101] The present invention advantageously enables added value for product manufacturers and suppliers in the planning, commissioning, and ongoing operation of the automated shelving system. The entire process chain can be implemented using an IT platform for the automated shelving system. Furthermore, extended services such as label printing can be offered.

[0102] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an automated shelving device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The automated shelving device 100 is designed to be coupled with an intelligent storage or picking system and comprises a provision module 10, a linking module 20, and a calculation module 30.

[0104] The provision module 10 is configured to provide planogram data that depicts the automated shelving device and that includes digital shelf plans of the automated shelving device and that are successively expandable; wherein the provision module 10 is further configured to provide product information data that defines products placed in the automated shelving device.

[0105] The linking module 20 is configured to create data linking data between the operational data and the planogram data; wherein the linking module is further configured to create data linking data between the operational data and the planogram data.

[0106] The calculation module 30 is configured to calculate user interaction data based on the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data, and the created data link data.

[0107] The Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a process flow of a method for an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Different suppliers and their products can be integrated into the automated shelving system.

[0109] For example, a supplier A and a supplier B, both of which use different software A and B, are each integrated via a dedicated interface.

[0110] For example, supplier A can be connected to a first software A via an interface A in order to arrange products in the shelf plan and record sales.

[0111] Likewise, for example, a second supplier B with a different second software B can be linked to the automated shelving device and a second interface B can be used.

[0112] A third supplier C can, for example, be directly connected to the automated shelving device without an interface by using the internal or system-specific software - also known as "SWG Planogram Software".

[0113] Customers and shoppers can communicate with the automated shelving system via a smartphone app. Voice control can be used.

[0114] Furthermore, the automated shelving system can control the lighting of individual products and use spot lighting to focus the customer's attention on specific products.

[0115] Furthermore, the automated shelving device can be used to process labels and adapt displayed properties on the labels.

[0116] The automated shelving device of the intelligent warehouse or picking system can monitor the customer's navigation to the shopping center or in the store and intervene if necessary to guide the customer to the automated shelving device.

[0117] The automated shelving device may be configured to provide an analysis, i.e., to display or perform a sales analysis or a search analysis.

[0118] The automated shelving device may be configured to provide shelving optimization.

[0119] The automated shelving device can be designed to perform general statistics.

[0120] The Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a planning tool for an automated shelving device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the planning tool can be further configured to generate planograms. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the planning tool can be further configured to create planograms based on placement rules.

[0122] The Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an automated shelving device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] The Fig. The planograms shown in Figure 5 are based on predefined criteria and were created using the planning tool, for example, sales analyses, planning rules or customer specifications can be taken into account.

[0124] The Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a flow of a method for an automated shelf device of an intelligent storage or order picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Although the present invention has been described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in many ways. In particular, the invention can be changed or modified in many ways without deviating from the essence of the invention.

[0126] It should also be noted that “comprehensive” and “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, and “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.

[0127] Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference symbols in the claims are not to be considered as limiting.

Claims

[1] Method for an automated shelving device of an intelligent storage or order picking system, the method comprising the following method steps: - Providing (S1) planogram data, by a provision module (10), which map the automated shelving device and which comprise digital shelf plans of the automated shelving device and which can be successively expanded; - Providing (S2), by the provision module (10), product information data, wherein the product links between the product information comprise links between related or linked products which define products placed in the automated shelf device; - creating (S3), by a linking module (20), product linking data between the product information data; - providing (S4), by the provision module (10), operational data of the automated shelving device, wherein the operational data comprises operational data sources; - creating (S5), by the linking module (20), data link data between the operational data and the planogram data; and - Calculating (S6), by a calculation module (30), user interaction data based on the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data and the created data link data, wherein the user interaction data is calculated for a customer who requires at least one product from the plurality of products placed in the automated shelving device, and the user interaction data comprises data on product location or product advice for the required product; wherein the user interaction data includes data relating to the product required by the customer as well as data from at least one complementary product associated with the required product, where the user interaction data: - i) by voice output via a sound generating device; or - ii) by visual output via a display device; or - iii) be transmitted to the customer via a mobile device. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the product location are displayed by a change in the lighting of the automated shelving device, wherein the data relating to the product location are preferably displayed to the customer in the form of an output of a shelf number or a shelf compartment number. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, wherein the user interaction data comprises product linking data for a logical linking of products associated with the required product for the customer. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interaction data are calculated for filling the automated shelf device and the user interaction data comprise data on a product location or on a number of products to be refilled. [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the user interaction data for filling the automated shelving device comprises data for assembly and / or loading of the automated shelving device. [6] Method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the user interaction data for filling the automated shelf device are created based on scan data of a barcode applied to the product to be filled. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, wherein the user interaction data for filling the automated shelving device are created based on scan data of a barcode attached to the automated shelving device. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the product information data: - i) price data; or - ii) inventory data; or - iii) customer behavior data; or - iv) include sales data of the products placed in the automated shelving device. [9] A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the product information data is displayed by a product data display device mounted on the automated shelving device. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein based on the user interaction data, the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data and the created data link data - i) a sales analysis for the automated shelving device; or - ii) a product search analysis; or - iii) an optimization of the planogram data of the automated shelving device; or - iv) general statistics are calculated for the automated shelving device. [11] Automated shelving device (100) for an intelligent storage or order picking system, the automated shelving device comprising: - a provision module (10) configured to provide planogram data that depicts the automated shelving device and includes digital shelf plans of the automated shelving device, and that are successively expandable; wherein the provision module (10) is further configured to provide product information data that defines products placed in the automated shelving device; wherein the provision module (10) is further configured to provide operating data of the automated shelving device; - a linking module (20) configured to create product link data between the product information data, wherein the product links between the product information comprise links between related or linked products; wherein the linking module is further configured to create data link data between the operational data and the planogram data, wherein the operational data comprise operational data sources; and - a calculation module (30) configured to calculate user interaction data based on the provided planogram data, the provided product information data, the created product link data, the provided operational data, and the created data link data; wherein the user interaction data is calculated for a customer who requires at least one product from the plurality of products placed in the automated shelving device, and the user interaction data comprises data on product location or product advice for the required product; wherein the user interaction data includes data relating to the product required by the customer as well as data from at least one complementary product associated with the required product, where the user interaction data: - i) by voice output via a sound generating device; or - ii) by visual output via a display device; or - iii) be transmitted to the customer via a mobile device. [12] A computer network comprising the automated shelving device according to claim 11, further comprising a database having a web-based and / or interactive product distribution application configured to offer the products from the automated shelving device to a customer.

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